#3. December Book Review – Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life

Grade : A

– and I’m not talkin’ about the USDA standard, but much higher.

I have a confession.

Prior to reading this book, I ate:

Lean-Cuisines, Smart Ones, etc.

Break-n-bake cookies  (or refrigerated roll-kind)

American cheese slices

Tomatoes in December

Bread from a plastic bag

Biscuits from a can (sometimes)

Eggs from a carton

Chicken/Meat from ???

Now, I may not have consumed all of these items all the time, or even during the same grocery trip – but decidedly, I think each item could be described as a “normal” for the average American household.

After reading this book, I have changed my mind about food.

Here’s the gist:

Barbara Kingsolver splendidly describes the idea that she and her family were going to only eat locally grown, organic foods that either they produced themselves – or received from like-minded neighbors in rural Virginia. The story bobs between memoir and research paper – though eloquently, and fully captured my attention.

She continuously describes vegetable gardening, and cooking dinner – following the calendar year – and makes it all sound so appealing and wonderful, I can’t imagine setting foot in my grocery store ever again. There are additional excerpts from her husband Steven, and daughter Camille – with their points of view on the subject of “real” food including facts regarding government policy, factory farming, gardening techniques, and recipes. It’s literally a smorgasbord of the virtues of eating fresh, local foods vs. the tragedies of any other food sources…and it’s compelling.

I can’t imagine a more appropriate book to read at the end of the year - when most of us are turning our thoughts to “renewal” …starting a new year, with new ambitions, new disciplines, and new strength. This book recovered something else in my own soul – I have a natural connection to the earth, and I want to eat better. My ancestors were farmers. Really. Bona fide farmers, and I agree with Kingsolver that these genes and the bounty of harvest is within our innermost core of human satisfaction. The most important thing to our bodies…is food. So why shouldn’t it be the best, most pure available?

Here’s a little taste:

www.animalvegetablemiracle.com

Enjoy,

GT40

#16. Snow Showers and December Flowers

It’s the day after Christmas, and my intention was to possible hit a few stores with my shiny, new gift cards freshly plucked out of my stocking from Christmas Day. 

Old Man Winter had other ideas…

It’s been 63 years since my little hometown has seen a white Christmas. I live in a milder part of the Southeast – and we typically don’t get a lot of snow until the Jan-Feb-Mar time of year. The last time it snowed at Christmas was December 1947.

In 1947:

-       Harry S. Truman was President, and signed legislation to create the CIA, Dept of Defense, Joints Chiefs, and the National Security Council.

-       Princess Elizabeth married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

-       Christian Dior showed his first collection in Paris.

-       Raytheon introduced the first retail microwave.

-       Jackie Robinson first played for Major League Baseball.

-       The first Miracle on 34^th Street was released in movie theaters.

(Thanks, Wikipedia.)

It was a long time ago.

And it’s breathtaking....(this is a pecan tree, by the way.)

Meanwhile, back to the bloggin’ business….Time for fresh December flowers!

We had guests over for Christmas morning breakfast – so we had to “deck the halls with some boughs of holly” (so to speak).

Of course  - hurricanes for the centerpieces.

Then, white lilies on the desk...

White snowflake mums on the coffee table…

And red roses for the loo…

Ahhhhhh...what a lovely Christmas – inside and out.

 - GT40

"Angel" Volunteers - Part Two

One of my favorite quotes is by the famous American anthropologist, Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

I love it, because it congers up an image of a coupla do-gooders literally saving The World, and I think that’s a nice image – practically a standard to live by. 

So for Part Two of volunteering during this month, I found myself at a local homeless organization. Again, the company I work for allows employees to participate in various service and volunteer projects, particularly during the holidays.  This time, I volunteered to “adopt” a few individuals from this organization; these guys are enrolled in a substance abuse recovery program, and had asked for a few simple Christmas wishes.  Believe it or not, most are doing well in recovery – and are trying to take steps to move themselves into more permanent housing. Most of the requested gift items were either 1) simple – like socks, gloves, boxers, or 2) for someone else – like a toy tricycle for a grandchild.

This “Part Two” service project afforded me an extra benefit – I got to tag along for the delivery of ALL the adopted gifts, about 35 in total.

(Note: I couldn’t take pictures of the patrons, so there’s not a lot to look at here…but…what a warm reception we received when we got there. )

It’s really moved me today – on Christmas Eve eve – I have a true gratitude for the possessions I have, and for my family who loves me.

Sidebar: As we were delivering these gifts, I spoke with one of the staff. Of course, she was very appreciative, but also shared with me how important the actual “gifts” were. She explained that some of the older, mature adults had memories of growing up in very poor homes – and their parents would choose a Christmas dinner over Christmas presents. She continued that some had old memories of not receiving any gifts for years – remember... social service organizations are a fairly recent invention.  

Do-gooders were in shorter supply back-in-the-day (so to speak).

We weren’t invited to stay for the opening of gifts – but I have pictures in my head of the joy on these weathered faces.

It was my sincere pleasure to participate in this project – and I can’t wait to do it again next year.

Merry Christmas,

Happy Holidays,

GT40

#17. Christmas Jelly - sort of....

Today I received my Jelly-of-the-Month for December. 

I think I was expecting something …red-fruited, but much to my surprise – it’s peach.

A Pillowy Peach Preserve.

Two thoughts:

First, I like the word “pillowy.” Only good things can be described as ‘pillowy’ such as:

Pillowy Meringue

Pillowy Whipped Cream

Pillowy Marshmallows

Pillowy Puff Pastry

Pillowy Gnocchi

Pillowy Bean Bags

Pillowy Grandma Laps

Pillowy Sand

Pillowy Snow 

Pillowy Clouds

Pillowy Mattresses

Pillowy Pillows (of course)

and I am sure there's more...oh yes, Pillowy Peaches.

Second, what’s the difference between jelly, jam and preserves anyway?

Well, after I consulted the International Jelly & Preserve Association found at www.jelly.org, (seriously) I discovered three main tiers of the “pectin” world.

All jellies, jams, and preserves are basically the same: 

Fruit + Sugar + Pectin

.... it’s the fruit that makes the difference.

Jelly – made with just fruit juice
Jam – made with crushed fruit or fruit pulp
Preserves – made with chunks of fruit; and the Cadillac of the jelly world.

The End. 

All you ever wanted to know, and more….but I was curious.

Holli a.k.a. Girl Turns 40

#4. White Christmas - My MOTM (Movie of the Month)

Last night was movie night...and quite honestly, I can't believe I've never seen White Christmas.

Yes, it is a musical.
Yes, it is a little corny.
Yes, it is positively delightful.

As the story goes, two WWII war buddies (Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye) become famous entertainers with their two-person act, then are summoned to "review" two ladies' entertainment act (Rosemary Clooney & Vera Ellen). They meet, hilarity ensues - they go to Vermont. Checking into an inn, they discover their former commanding general owns the inn - and because there is no snow, business is bad. The foursome plot to bring their Broadway-style show to the inn, pack the house - and it begins to snow in the final scene....red dresses with white fur, swishing and swaying, plus kissing ensues. And the moral is - everything's gonna be alright, if we all just do the right thing, with respect and love one another.

It was the top grossing movie of 1954, and I can see why. It's full of great, old school music; great talent;  interesting sets; and my favorite part - the costumes. I really enjoyed the "beauty" of the clothes (men and women alike) but the women's costumes were dreamy. (Sidebar: I am an avid follower of Project Runway. Love Heidi, love Michael, love Nina, love Tim.  Love to watch the designers create something out of nothing.) ....Can you imagine being a designer back in those days? The very famous Edith Head was the costume designer for this movie, and it was a superbly, elegant time. The movie is worthwhile just to see the costuming.

(Another sidebar: There's a Rosemary Clooney Museum in Kentucky, and they boast to have the largest collection of White Christmas memorabilia in the world, including the blue dress worn during the "Sisters" act in the movie. Per their website, it was 'found' in an LA vintage shop - for under $200!)
Hmmmmmm.

Off to go last minute Christmas shopping. I must find some rhinestone gloves like Rosemary Clooney wears at the Carousel Club.

GT40

#24. Charming, Festive, & Delicious - Charleston, SC

If you haven't been down south in a while, please pack your bags and head to Charleston, SC.

We headed out to Charleston this past weekend, primarily because I had never been there during Christmas - and I thought it would be great to experience this charming place all bedecked with tinkle lights and such for the holidays. Plus, I had decided to attend the 25th annual progressive dinner hosted by three Charleston inns, which takes place during the month of December.

It was an absolutely fabulous weekend - and met ALL my expectations... so where to begin with the details?

Day 1
My favorite place to stay in Charleston is the very posh Charleston Place Hotel. The property is owned by Orient-Express, thus need I say more? Dahling, it is truly 5-star, and just beyond.

We had a little time to kill before dinner - so we opted for an activity to put us in the holiday mood. It was bitter cold in Charleston (which never happens) so we were looking for some falalalala that did not require us to go outside...or at least, not outside the car. On a whim, we decided to follow some of the local yolks to a drive-thru Christmas light show....and wow! Something we would never normally do turned out to be just delightful.

Time for dinner. Close to the hotel, and wonderfully inviting ...was Magnolia's.  Girls, this is serious, so please pay attention. Donald Barickman opened this restaurant in 1990, and it's basically Southern-style food - but very light, very elegant, and very, very delicious. I opted for the salad from the "Special" menu - arugula, apples, goat feta, and tossed in an amazing pecan vinaigrette. Then, of course - the spicy shrimp & grits. And finally, vanilla bean creme brulee. It was the best meal I've had in 4 years since moving back to North Carolina, and for which the bar is permanently set.  Even Open Table boasts 526 reviews, and it's still 4.4 out of 5 stars. I can't stop talking about it, but....(sigh) I must.

Day 2
We did some "plain vanilla" sightseeing. Like....


the USS Yorktown - a WWII battleship permanently docked in Charleston

The Market
for decades - this has been a public marketplace for local vendors.

(These are Sweetgrass baskets, woven locally.)


and the cruise ship dock - which took us a little by surprise!

Of course, just loads of old, historic homes along the Battery

(Check out the pink bows and garland...)



More good food at Five Loaves Cafe - where I had half a turkey sandwich and a soup trio in espresso cups - this is apparently a very big food trend down here....

And finally the main event - the 25th annual progressive dinner. We started with hors d'ouevres at the Kings Courtyard Inn, then were taken by carriages to our next destination: Circa 1886 restaurant.

Salad and dinner was served at Circa 1886, which is part of the Wentworth Mansion.

Then finally - dessert and coffee was served at the John Rutledge House.

This trip was truly magical, and really brought out my Christmas spirit
... and my holiday elastic-waistband pants.

Have a good one,
Holli a.k.a. GT40

#21. "Angel" Volunteers - Part 1

'Tis the season of giving. "Giving of your time, talents, and treasure" as the saying goes....

and it seems the appropriate time of year to turn my attention to the Spiritual/Service section of my Top 40 'drops' list.  In 2009, a whopping 87% of Americans gave something: money, volunteer time, or both to charitable organizations. We are definitely a culture of giving people - and I think that's very inspiring.

Each year, my company has a slew of volunteer opportunities, thus it makes it very easy to "give back".  For my volunteer project his month, I've decided to adopt an "Angel" (Child) from our local Salvation Army - as this is a company sponsored activity. In fact, I've adopted 2 "Angels" -  two siblings. The "Angel" program is pretty great - families who are really struggling can request gifts for their children. I can't imagine the pride they must swallow to ask perfect strangers for help. The idea is, that if volunteers and concerned citizens can help with the gifts, then parents can focus their dollars on basic needs - food, clothing, and shelter. Makes sense to me.

Because my "Angels" are older children, their wishes are 'harder' to fill...and by that, I mean they are electronic.     I am not especially tech-y, so my list of requested items were things I had never heard of:

Leapster Explorer
PSP - Dragon Ball 2
Air Hog (This is not necessarily, electronic - but a remote controlled helicopter)

How about a jumprope? or a game of Monopoly? Ummmm......no.

So, needless to say - I set out to Target very early one morning, and had the best thing to happen to me.....the young man in Electronics was ALONE. It was 8:02am, and I was his ONLY customer. Hark the herald angels sang.

Here's my loot, and I did buy the Air Hog - it's just not pictured. (Battery pack goes with the Leapster.)

Stay tuned for "Angel" Volunteer - Part 2. I am actually volunteering at the Christmas Center, where families come in to pick up their items, and volunteers help them to 'shop' for gifts.

If you haven't thought about volunteering yet during the holiday season, do. It makes you feel good.

GT40

PS - Headed to Charleston, SC today for the TOTM! Next posting: Tuesday, December 14

#15. One word: Cupcakes.

I (“heart”) Cupcake Day!

Ever since the Cupcake Revolution began in early 2005, when Sprinkles in Los Angeles hit the scene and cupcakes began to be considered haute cuisine with designer looks and labels, I’ll admit…I’ve been smitten. Who doesn’t want a pretty ‘lil fancy cake just for herself? Hmmm?

Side note:

And what a disappointment when you select a cupcake from perhaps a lesser known quantity (say, not Sprinkles or an equivalent)…and it’s not good? Don’t you just hate to select ANY baked good that might look reeaallly good on the outside, and then it falls way short of what you were expecting?

I mean, if I am go to spend the calories….it better be beyond worth it.

So, back to business:

To my squealing delight, Polka Dot Bake Shop opened up – and let’s just say, Cupcake Day is a good day. For my 40 ‘drops’ list, I am treating myself to a cupcake from Polka Dot on the day of my birth – the 4^th each month. (Obviously, if they are closed…say on a Sunday…then I would be forced to go another day, of course.)  

Polka Dot Bakery is a boutique, cupcake bakery – cupcakes are their only product, and they do it really well. Typically they have some regular flavors, kind of like a ice cream shop: Vanilla, Chocolate, Lemon, Tuxedo (more details later)….and usually a seasonal, like Apple Cinnamon. One word: Yum.

My choice this time: LEMON

I love lemon stuff. It’s always so refreshing, and delicious…and in this case: fluffy and beautiful with yellow-y, lemon-y sugar crystals.

 

Move over Sprinky-dink… it tastes as good as it looks.

The End. Literally.

Fat and happy,

GT40

#10. Lemon curd or clotted cream?

Yum. Both, please and thank you.

Yesterday, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, I went to tea at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Each year, the Garden hosts a Holiday Tea, then afterwards patrons can enjoy the Garden decorated with holiday decorations and lights. To be honest, it was quite lovely and cold as the dickens outside. No, we did not the tea outside. DSBG has an amazing conservatory - and the tea was held inside the glass walls overlooking the Gardens.

I am sure you are all wondering if we had crumpets, or jam and bread (Sound of Music)....and, no. We did have delicious vanilla scones which we were served lemon curd and clotted cream. (Yum and yum, again.) We tasted four different teas - so I don't think this was a typical afternoon tea, it was more like a wine-tasting, just no wine...all tea. Yet, since I have no idea what's proper or not - we had a great time!

Our tea table. The tray included cucumber sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches*, scones, brownies, chocolate truffles, and strawberry petit fours. (*Note: this is North Carolina, where chicken salad is often substituted for smoked salmon. I have no further explanation.) And those sticks on the right are sticks filled with honey.

So here's our "menu" of teas: Vanilla Chai Spice, Berry Fruit Cocktail, Chocolate Rooibos, and Sugar Plum.

What I have failed to share is the rather intimidating list of instructions on how to properly "mash" (brew) a cup of tea. 10 steps. I need a 12-step program to commit to the 10-steps described on the back of this menu! (Probably sticking with my appalling microwavable mug.)

Anywho...

The decorations were very nice, and put us all the holiday spirit. The orchid tree was my favorite - all the orchids here were alive, blooming, and gorgeous.

Check off the afternoon tea! Again, this one was so much fun - I think I'll keep my eyes peeled for another opportunity. I have always been a full-time coffee-drinker, but I think I may be part-time tea-drinker in the making.

Cheers,

Holli a.k.a. Girl Turns 40

Happy December! My 40th birthday bucket list continues...

It's the third month of "Girl Turns 40" and my journey of accomplishing 40 things within my 40th year is going pretty well, if I do say so myself.

Good stuff like massages, cupcakes, good books, fine jewelry, and fabulous trips have consumed my thoughts, and it's been a strange pleasure to focus on accomplishing these things. What I've noticed most is how previously (prior to the Top 40 list and starting my blog), I was consumed by work, work, work - literally living my career.  And now, after three months of creating, exploring, designing, praying, learning, reading, and writing (of course) - my mind is starting to be free. I love thinking about things that bring enjoyment, and I am enjoying my blog, which means I am enjoying my life....now isn't that what we all want?

(Pause, while I pat myself on the back...)

Bring on Happy December!

I decided that I need to make an announcement of my upcoming monthly book, movie, and TOTM (Trip of the Month) - just so you'd know what to expect. I think "expecting" is important....as the action of looking forward to something is the stuff of upcoming happy times, don't you think?

Movie Selection: White Christmas
(I've only seen clips of the swishing and swaying and singing with the red dresses trimmed in fur, and never the whole thing.)

Book Selection: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

TOTM: Charleston, South Carolina!! 
(Particularly, their 25th annual progressive dinner visiting three historic inns)

Looking forward to a happy holiday season....

GT40

November Book Review - The Help

#3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

Grade: A, Superb.

The book is set in the early 1960s, and describes the lives and relationships between black women who work as maids within the homes of prominent white families.  The main story is about three women whose lives are ultimately intertwined – two black maids, Aibeline and Minny, and the white daughter of one of the families, Eugenia or “Skeeter.” Their relationship centers around Skeeter’s desire to write a novel, and convinces the maids to share their true stories and unabashed opinions about working for white women within their homes – cooking, cleaning, and raising their children.  The chapters weave in and out of each character’s life, with each subtly revealing more details of what life might have been like in the early 60s – and especially, in the deep South.  (The book is based in Jackson, Mississippi.)

I guess because I grew up in the Southern states, this book has more appeal to me than to perhaps someone from another part of the country – and I found this book fascinating.  As I began to talk about this book with Momma, she began to read it as well.

Guess what?

My own mother has memories of a black woman, named Winnie, who would come to my grandmother’s house and help with cleaning, and especially washing and ironing.  “Washing” clothes was using the wringer washing machine with two tubs, and it was all done outside. Then hung on the clothesline to dry, of course.  What hard work! … and I had no idea.

Please understand, this was not a regular job with a white uniform, as described in the novel – and Miss Winnie only came when my grandmother needed her.  Nevertheless, it’s amazing what you find out when you talk to the oldest members of your family!

Sidebar:

This is Kathryn Stockett’s first novel, and I read that it was rejected by 40+ literary agents prior to being published....then was on the bestseller's list for over a year. Good for her.

Happy reading!

GT40

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#23. November TOTM (Trip of the Month) - Nashville and Franklin TN!

Big love to Nashville and Franklin, TN....

Because of the long Thanksgiving weekend, I decided this was the best time to go to a new place, like Nashville, and visit a very good friend of mine while I was there. You know, two birds...one stone.

We headed out across the Appalachian Mtns right after the tryptophan in the turkey wore off.  First stop on my trip to Nashville was the newly renovated Opryland Hotel, and it did not disappoint.  After living in Los Angeles for 10 years, I am no stranger to Las Vegas and the hotels there. If you like a little Vegas, this place is really amazing - a little Vegas-y, with big country style.

The Hotel has just reopened after the floods back in May 2010. It has over 2,800 rooms (seriously) with 3 main sections, the Grand Ole Opry, an outlet mall, and a riverboat. It's really a compound....totally worth the trip to see in person!

This is from the Cascades section - it's a conservatory. See the glass ceiling? With rooms around the center restaurants and gardens. It's huge.





The Garden Conservatory section. Note the glass ceiling, and the skywalks on the right. Beautiful.





This is the Delta section, which had a little "town" built in with shops and restaurants. Again, under a glass ceiling, and surrounded by gardens.

We loved it!


Then on to Franklin, TN - which was nothing short of absolutely charming.  My friend Mimi who now lives here (formerly from California) loves it too! The little, historic downtown of Franklin had great shops and restaurants.

We Had lunch at Merridee's Breadbasket - and it was outstanding. Great local place...but the tourists know about as well. I had their special: Chicken Salad Sandwich on fresh-baked wheat bread, chips, drink and a slice of homemade pie. (I opted for Fudge pie, and it was sublime. Not too sweet....with a homemade pie crust, of course.)

After a great lunch - a stroll around the downtown shops was definitely in order.

One of my favorite shops: The Iron Gate.

Beautiful things.





And Sweet Cece's  - the place for ice cream and candy. My favorite things was they were decorated for the holidays with pink and green...including pink and green christmas lights!

And finally, to end the perfect day in Franklin, we had dinner at the Boxwood Bistro. A beautiful, upscale restaurant dressed up for the holidays. The food was superb, and it as just like having dinner at your fanciest relatives home....delicious, beautiful, and comfortable.

Big sigh.
What a great trip!  So far, I am really enjoying the Travel Section of my blog. California, Tennessee, ehat could be next?  Stay tuned for next month's TOTM....to be announced on December 1st.

GT40

#17. Gobble Gobble - Orange Cranberry Sauce

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just a quick note to bid you a happy holiday - and to share my latest JOTM (Jelly of the Month) arrival. Again from CMB Sweets - an Orange Cranberry Sauce, just in time for The Big Meal.

Headed over to my Aunt Pea's house, and like most families...it's potluck. Momma is cooking sweet potato casserole, homemade mac & cheese, and a fruit salad. My Aunt Gigi who is not known for her cooking abilities, and is often teased at our family get togethers. She basically makes three things:

1) green beans
2) deviled eggs
3) biscuits (like my Grandma's!)

True Story: The running joke is that my uncle (her husband) often gives her great piece of jewelry for Christmas, and he hides her Christmas gifts because she goes in search of them. One year, he hid all her gifts.... in the oven. She never found them, and he pulled them out of the oven on Christmas morning. Hilarious.

So, back to the biscuits....she can make the BEST biscuits I've ever had - and I can't wait to enjoy my Orange Cranberry Sauce on a good old-fashioned hot, buttered biscuit.

Have a great Turkey day!

Next post on Sunday: Highlights of my TOTM (Trip of the Month) to Nashville, Tennessee!